Pupils Learn Wonders of Nature Firsthand

By River Parishes Bureau

Fourth-graders at Lakewood Elementary School in Luling have begun training to become "Earthkeepers", during a program at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park's Barataria Preserve.

During the three-day program, the preserve became the outdoor classroom for the students as they learned about the Earth and environment.

	Fourth-graders at Lakewood Elementary School in Luling read manuals to become 'Earthkeepers' during a program in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park's Barataria Preserve. During the three-day program, the preserve became an outdoor classroom for the students as they learned abuot the Earth and environment.

Earthkeepers was started by Teaching Responsible Earth Education, designed specifically for fourth-graders, Earthkeepers puts children along with teachers and parent volunteers, onto Barataria's trails for three days of activities directed by the organization's staff. Students learn first-hand the reliance of all livings things on the sun, how plants and animals depend on one and other, and how the natural world recycles air, water, and soil.

Students work in the preserve's education center and hike trails and clearings.

The Earthkeepers program was developed in 1988 by West Virginia based Institute for Earth Education. Sue Brown, director of Teaching Responsible Earth Education, said the program exposes urban children to natural environments.

By giving children the opportunity to study earth sciences up close, Brown said the program reinforces classroom learning and improves student performance.

Teacher, Kim Bordelon said the program incorporate much of the state curricula for science and language arts. She said the program also allows teachers and students to work closely together.

Parent, Kathy Kaberlein said she was impressed with the program.

"The program provided a means for the children to learn about nature in a safe and full filled environment," she said.

For the fourth-graders, the Earthkeepers program continues at school. Students are required to participate in individual and group activities inside and outside of the classroom to become an official Earthkeepers.

Financing Lakewood Elementary students' participation in the Earthkeepers program was a community effort, Bordelon said.

Dow Chemical Co. and Entergy Corp. provided partial financing for the project. Parents and faculty members also conducted several fund-raisers.